Question

On a recent trip, Juan started at an elevation of 1200 feet above sea level. He descended into a valley 20.4 feet below sea level. Which of the following shows one way to calculate how many feet he descended in all?
A. -20.4–(-1200)

B. 1200–20.4

C. -20.4+1600

D. 1200–(-20.4)

Answer 1

D is the correct answer because you would subtracts what he descended from where he started in order to find out how many feet he descended in all.

Answer 2

A would be the correct answer because he is up in elevation so that makes the 1200 positive and he goes down 20.4 which is negative and is goes that far down!!

hope this helps